… courtesy of The Superhero Book of Goodies catalogue, issue 2, 1977, with cover drawn by Joe Kubert.

The Superhero Book of Goodies was the colourful product catalogue for Ivan Snyder’s New Jersey-based mail order and retail store company Superhero Enterprises, later known as Heroes World. The company was a leading US comic book and merchandise distributor from 1975 until its demise in 1997 following its buy-out by Marvel comics.

We don’t need another hero

The catalogues featured the company’s very own superhero mascot – ‘Our Superhero’, sometimes referred to as ‘Snyderman’, and were produced in conjunction with Joe Kubert’s School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. 

Some famous comic book names below that were former students. But can you spot the future famous TV zombie holocaust survivor?

Name the Superhero contest … did this happen?

So was he called Our Hero or Snyderman? If not then what name? Who won the competition? Did issue 3 tell us? Do you have issue 3? Can you enlighten us? Argh, so many questions!

As well as handling Marvel and DC products, the company advertised a small range of goods for film and TV franchises such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Space 1999, Planet of the Apes, The Bionic Woman, The Six-Million Dollar Man and others. As seen by just the handful of scans we’ve taken from issue 2 so far, the catalogues – and not forgetting the numerous full page adverts found across hundreds of comic titles, feature a range of items from toys to household goods to stamps, stationery, badges, patches, clothing, posters, books and comics and much more. Let’s take a look at some, as TVTA enters the delightful and colourful world of The Superhero Book of Goodies…

Spidey Utility Belt, Superman Postcards, Marvel and DC Superbaby Rag Dolls

Mego Super-Heroes

Have yourself a Rock Party! 

Marvel and DC stamps, Star Trek goodies

Super-Friends Hall of Justice play set, Wonder Woman toys

Superhero Shooters and Shields

More shields and Ricochet Racers Spider-Man set

Enter the World of Marvel

Superhero Mirrors

Batman toys

Batman Grappling Hook, Batman Bat Plane with Launcher, Batman Corgi toys

Board Games, Painting and View Master

Marvel Dart Board, Spidey Squirt Gun, Spidey Plane

Patches

And lastly, badges

Part 2 to come soon, featuring more Superhero goodies. Thanks for looking  🙂

Sources: The Kubert School. Wikipedia. Gone and Forgotten. Consulted 12/05/18, and The Superhero Book of Goodies Issue 2, 1977 scanned by TVTA.